Interactions between domain switching and crack propagation in poled BaTiO₃ single crystal under mechanical loading

In this paper, the interactions between the crack propagation and corresponding domain switching in ferroelectric single crystal under mechanical loading were investigated. An experimental setup with a polarized light microscope (PLM) was designed and constructed to in situ observe the crack propagation in poled BaTiO₃ specimens subjected to three-point-bending loading. The observed domain switching was stimulated by the intensive stress field near the crack tip, and the theoretical R-curve taking into account the domain switching toughening agrees well with the experimental results quantitatively. It is confirmed from the actual switched zone that the 90° domain switching is the major mechanism of the fracture toughening, and the apparent fracture toughness increases by 150% in the BaTiO₃ single crystal specimen.